Labor makes IVF pledge as state election promises roll out
In Labor’s latest election commitment, the Premier promises bigger savings for families going through the costly process of infertility.
South Australian women and families could access a $2000 rebate to help with out-of-pocket fertility costs if the Malinauskas government is re-elected, the Premier announced today.
Joined by five children who were born “because of the magnificence of IVF” and their mothers, Premier Peter Malinauskas announced the policy on Monday morning.
It would cover up to $4000 of out-of-pocket costs per treatment, which the government said would cover almost half the cost of an IVF cycle.
Eligible women would be able to access the fertility treatment rebate for up to two IVF cycles, along with a $250 rebate for pre-IVF fertility testing.
“We know that with IVF it often takes more than one cycle. So I think it’s only fair and reasonable that if we do this, we do it properly, and fund at least two cycles,” Malinauskas said.
“Having a baby is one of the most special things in life and unfortuantely for those with fetility issues cost can be a major barrier.
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“We want to change that and help more South Australians start and grow their families.”
Mother Grace Laurencic said at a press conference with the Premier on Monday that this policy would help make the stressful experience of IVF easier.
“We had a failed transfer after these two, and you want to go again straight away, but you have to think about, oh, but can we afford to do it straight away,” Laurencic said.
“And it’s so horrible and I know I’ve got three, but I always had three in my mind, so I was like, just have to bite the bullet and just do it again.
“But you know, some people wouldn’t be able to just do that straight away, so that’s horrible that they have to wait to be able to do it.”
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists were also in support of the election promise.
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“The college has long advocated for equity of access to reproductive health services – this is a step in the right direction,” President Dr Nisha Khot said.
It follows the Liberals’ election commitments announced over the weekend to deter crime and combat anti-semitism by banning slogans.
Opposition Leader Ashton Hurn said while the IVF pledge helps affordability, she was concerned about the eligibility criteria.
“For South Australia to grow, we need to make our state more affordable – and that includes tackling the prohibitive cost of supported fertility treatments,” Hurn said.
“This goes to the heart of affordability. When people can’t buy a home, they’re more likely to delay starting a family and more likely to need extra support when they’re ready to take that step.
“Under Labor’s eligibility settings it seems a young couple, like two public school teachers early in their career, would miss out on this support.
“In the lead-up to the state election, I’m looking forward to sharing more of our policies to support families and give South Australians a clear choice.”
Hurn and Crime spokesperson Jack Batty announced a $10 million fund to deter crime against small and familiar businesses on Sunday.
Theft, violence and anti-social behaviour can cost businesses thousands of dollars in lost revenue and clean-up expenses, not to mention the emotional impact of becoming a victim of crime,” Mrs Hurn said.
“Our Safer Communities Fund will help with practical measures to prevent crime – whether it’s CCTV, lighting or alarms.”
Hurn also said on Saturday that if elected, her government would immediately introduce new laws to parliament to legislate a “zero tolerance for incitement, including banning the flags of recognised terrorist groups and slogans”.
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